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postcard

How to write a postcard

by PostSnap Team 19th November 2020

Have you always wanted to send a postcard whilst on holiday but didn’t know how to write one? Well you’ve come to the right place, writing a postcard couldn’t be easier with our handy guide.

Sending postcards to friends and family is a great way to show your loved ones just how much you care about them. Not only is it a sweet gesture but it is a fun way to share your adventures with your nearest and dearest. When it comes to how you’re going to send a postcard you have two options. You can either buy a postcard from a local shop or you can use your own photos to create your own unique photo postcard using an online postcard maker.

Postcard Format

1. Choosing a postcard

One of the best things about sending a postcard is choosing the image on the front. This image will be the first thing your recipient sees so be sure to pick a postcard image that not only best represents your holiday but also an image you think your recipient would like best.

Front Of Photo Postcard And Back Of Postcard With Message

2. Where to write on a postcard?

Greet your recipient on the back left hand side of a postcard but ensure you leave enough room below for a message. When writing postcards, the greeting is the perfect place to start off your message and make your recipient feel special and valued. If you’re aiming for a formal tone start your postcard with ‘Dear, (name)’. If you’re aiming for a more informal tone you could start your postcard with ‘Hello, Hi or Hey (name)’.

Once you’ve chosen your postcard greetings, it’s now time to share holiday memories or your latest news with your recipient. Write your message on the back left hand side of the postcard just under the greeting. When it comes to writing a postcard the space is limited so your message needs to be short and sweet. Before putting pen to paper, plan what you are going to write to ensure you have enough space – there is nothing worse than running out of space in the middle of a sentence! If you’re stuck for ideas about what to write on a postcard, we run through 10 things to write on a postcard later on in this post.

The next stage of postcard writing is signing off your postcard, so be sure to leave enough room as no postcard is complete without a heartfelt farewell to your loved ones. Choose to sign off your postcard with a ‘See you soon!, Wish you were here, Hugs from (destination)’ and be sure to include your name so your recipient knows who the postcard is from.

Back Of Postcard With Message

3. How to address a postcard

When it comes to addressing a postcard, write the recipient’s address on the right hand side. The standard postcard format has a vertical line down the middle, with a blank space to the left, and a lined space to the right. Write your recipient’s full name and address on the lined space to the right. Be sure to include the recipients full address including city/town, country and postcode.

Back Of PostCard with Postcard Address

4. Where to place a postcard stamp?

Place the stamp within the outlined box on the top right of the postcard (if purchasing a postcard from a local shop and not online). Whilst on holiday you can head to the post office, bank or petrol stations to purchase a stamp and if you’re wondering about postage rates, you can read our article, How much is a postcard stamp? Be sure that the stamp is only placed on the back of the postcard in the outlined box, anywhere else will increase the chances of the postcard getting lost.

What to write on a postcard – 10 ideas

Due to limited space on the back of a postcard it can often seem intimidating writing postcards. Luckily, if you’re stuck for ideas, here are 10 things to write on a postcard:

Share your favourite day of your trip – just come back from a boat cruise, city tour or water sports activity? Write a short description of your experience.
Say something personal – let your loved ones know how much you’re missing them. Beginning your postcard with a thought about the recipient will make them feel truly special.
Talk about the weather – has there been a day with especially interesting weather. Whether it rained, snowed or was a particularly beautiful day write a short summary to make your recipient feel closer to you.
Share a local word or phrase with a translation – one of the best things about visiting a new country is getting to learn the basics of a new language so why not share your new favourite phrase.
Travel tips – what are the best must-sees around? Let your recipient know.
Fun fact about the location you’re visiting – have you learnt something interesting recently that your recipient would not know?
Explain the story behind your postcard photo – whether choosing a postcard locally or creating one online let your recipient know why the photo you’ve chosen best represents your trip.
Draw a picture that reflects your travels – don’t fancy writing, get artistic and draw a picture of your surroundings.
Share a new tradition that you’ve learned – have you attended a local festival and found a new tradition you think your recipient would love?
Write about the local food – just tried a local dish that you loved, describe the meal or even share the recipe.

Remember when writing a postcard the message on the back will be visible so be sure to not include any personal information.

If you’re struggling to find a postcard in a local shop, why not try an online postcard maker. PostSnap’s postcard apps and online postcard maker turn your own photos into postcards in just a few minutes. PostSnap’s apps are easy to use and available on Android and iOS. PostSnap will print and mail 6 inch x 4 inch post cards worldwide from just £2.49 or $2.75 including postage.

19th November 2020 0 comment

General Postcard Info

How much is a postcard stamp? Postcard postage rates for UK, US and beyond

by PostSnap Team 19th November 2020

written by PostSnap Team

We often get asked how much are postcard stamps to and from popular destinations such as the UK, Australia and the US. Here is our guide to postcard postage rate.

UK postcard stamp price

Sending a postcard within the UK is good value using the Royal Mail. A standard A6 postcard is treated the same as a small letter and costs 76p for the 1st class service or if you choose 2nd class the postcard stamp cost is 65p.

In the UK, you can purchase postcard stamps at the Post Office or major supermarkets, such as Tesco, Sainsbury’s and Asda. Whether buying from the Post Office or a supermarket, the pricing generally stays the same.

UK Postcard Stamps

USPS postcard stamps

Sending a postcard within the US is an affordable way to communicate using the U.S Postal Service. A USPS postcard stamp costs just $0.35.

Postcard stamp price when sending overseas

If you are sending postcards abroad, the postcard stamps price can increase substantially.

Below you will find the postcard stamp cost for the UK, US and Australia, whether your card is being sent domestically, or internationally.

Postage rates for postcards, showing domestic and international postcard postage.

The postcard stamp rate is based on a standard A6 postcard size. Prices are correct as of 7^th October.

PostSnap postcard stamp cost

We often get asked, how much does it cost to send a postcard with PostSnap? The good news is, UK postage is included as standard. Whether you are sending the postcard from the UK or abroad, as long as it is going to a UK address, the cost of the postcard stamp is covered for free. Sending a little further afield, international postage prices are never more than £0.50 or $0.50.

Sending a personalised photo postcard straight from your phone also removes the hassle of spending any of your precious holiday time in post office queues.

19th November 2020 0 comment

General Postcard Info

Postcard Size

by PostSnap Team 7th October 2020

written by PostSnap Team

Standard Postcard Size UK

Standard Postcard Size USA

Picture postcards have been in existence since the 1800s, however the overall appearance and size of a postcard has hardly changed in that time. Postcards are still very popular in the UK and USA and to this day the size of a standard postcard is still based upon the original 6 inch x 4 inch format.

Postcard Size UK & Europe

The standard postcard size in the UK is 148mm x 105mm (14.8 cm x 10.5cm) which is the equivalent of A6. The postcard size in inches is 5.8 inches x 4.2 inches.

This is the size of a postcard typically found in seaside holiday resorts and sent home to family and friends. This is the standard postcard size in other European countries too. Some retail outlets also sell large postcards measuring 210mm x 148mm which is the equivalent of A5.

When it comes to posting, Royal Mail advise that a stamp for a postcard costs the same as a letter. This means that Royal Mail will mail postcards with dimensions up to 240mm x 165mm and a thickness of no more than 5mm. The weight of the postcard should not exceed 100g. Standard postcards of 148mm x 105mm easily fall into this category as do large postcards up to A5 size (210mm x 148mm).

The cost of mailing a postcard in the UK is currently 76p for 1^st Class mail and 65p for second class mail (as of October 2020.) If you’re looking for more information on the cost of a postcard stamp, you can read our article on postcard postage rates.

Postcard Size UK

Postcard Size USA

The standard postcard size in the US is 5.8 x 4.2 inches, which is the equivalent of A6 and is broadly based on the traditional 6 inch x 4 inch standard postcard format. The postcard size in centimetres 14.8 x 10.5 cm.

The traditional postcard comprises of a century-old postcard template of a photo on the front and a message and address on the back. The first postcards went on sale in the US in 1873, as a quick and affordable way to communicate, and they remain that way until this day.

Postcards are mailed in the US for as little as 35c as long as the postcard meets certain size and weight criteria as set out by USPS. The minimum and maximum dimensions of a postcard are defined as 5 inches x 3-1/2 inches to 6 inches x 4-1/4 inches. In addition, a postcard must be between 0.007 inch – 0.016 inch thick.

Postcard Size US

Standard Postcard Dimensions

The table below sets out dimensions of a standard postcard.

Standard Postcard Dimensions

Postcard Apps

The picture postcard maybe an age-old tradition, however it is a tradition which has evolved with the recent introduction of postcard apps which let users turn digital photos into real printed postcards.

With the PostSnap’s postcard apps and online postcard maker you can turn your own photos into postcards. PostSnap’s apps are easy to use and available on Android and iOS. PostSnap will print and mail 6 inch x 4 inch post cards worldwide from just £2.49 or $2.75 including postage.

7th October 2020 0 comment

General Travel

Postcard Perfect: Our Guide To Miami

by ben 23rd May 2019

written by ben

With its effortlessly cool feel, vibrant culture and stunning architecture, it’s no surprise people are finally realising Miami is a contender in America’s great cities. At PostSnap, we’re big believers in there’s no better way to share your vacation photos than creating your own postcards with them. Our free app allows you to send your own postcards straight from your phone no matter where you are in the world. PostSnap means no stamps and no hunting for post boxes is needed so you can spend your time soaking up the city vibes.

We’ve rounded up the top five things to see on your vacation to Miami, and the absolute best shots to take for perfect postcards back home!

Everglades National Park

No trip to Miami is complete without a day trip to Everglades National Park. One of the most renowned locations for wildlife in the USA, the Everglades consists of 1.5 million acres of wetlands, marshes and mangrove forest. The entrance to the park at Homestead is an hour’s drive away and it’s only a short drive on to trails, lookouts and abundant wildlife. We recommend taking shots of walkways that stretch out into miles of greenery, views from observation towers (we recommend the Shark Valley Observation Tower) and of course the iconic airboats that are easily the best way to see the wildlife on offer. Bicycles can also be rented out: the flatness of the park makes it the perfect place for a bike ride.

Perfect For: Explorers & Wannabe David Attenbourghs

Wynwood Walls

Wynwood is one of Miami’s coolest neighbourhoods but it’s main attraction is the collection of street art and murals at Wynwood Walls. This outdoor art gallery showcases some of the best street art, and is the perfect way to spend a morning or afternoon admiring the art. Each wall has a unique design, and it’s a perfect spot for brightly coloured photos for your postcard. The gallery also has its own bar and kitchen, meaning it’s the perfect place to chill out and soak up the city vibes. The neighbourhood of Wynwood is also filled with cool food markets, eateries and art galleries, meaning there’s plenty to see and do. Send a postcard with shots of the street art for the perfect colourful message back home.

Perfect For: Hipsters and Art Enthusiasts.

South Beach

A classic and an essential. Palm trees, quirky lifeguard houses and perfect white sand make this one of the most well known beaches in the world. Take photos of the beach to make everyone at home wish they were on vacay with you. South Beach is also home to dreamy art deco architecture that dominates the seafront. Essential shots include the multicolour lifeguard towers which stretch for miles up South Beach and shots of the Art Deco District. South Beach is also home to Miami’s vibrant nightlife; take shots of the art deco buildings glowing with neon and all the hustle and bustle of the city’s most iconic neighbourhood.

Perfect For: Sunworshippers & Nightowls

Fairchild Tropical Gardens

Retreat to the quiet side of town by visiting the Fairchild Tropical Gardens. This expanse of tropical parkland is one of the best tropical gardens, complete with its own tram tours and a butterfly house. The collection of plants in this tropical garden is a beautiful retreat from the hustle and bustle of the city, and also offer an array of plants that make perfect postcards for gardeners back home and budding horticulturalists. Spend a morning here for a tropical retreat in nature not far away from the hub of the city.

Perfect For Plant Moms

Little Havana

Cuba and the US’s history is long and complicated, but nowhere do the two merge so wonderfully than Little Havana, east of the city centre. This neighbourhood is home to the large Cuban diaspora and exiles , and is the perfect blend of American cool and Cuba’s latina feel. Stroll along Calle Ocho, Miami’s answer to the Hollywood Walk of Fame honouring Latina artists to see the area’s rich heritage or stop at the many food stalls and Restaurants for some of the best cuban food in the country. With the background of cigar smoke and latin music, this lively neighbourhood is a must see. Take photos of street food to make your family and friends’ mouth water or head to Domino Park for scenes of old men playing Dominos and smoking cigars.

Perfect for: Foodies and Budding Historians

Where are your favourite spots in Miami? Let us know and we’ll keep our eyes pealed. PostSnap is a free app, designed to turn your photos into lovely things that makes it easier to stay in touch. Whether you’re on the other side of the world and sending a postcard back home or you need a last minute birthday card, our easy to use app has got you covered. Download today from the app store or head to www.postsnap.com to make your first postcard!

23rd May 2019 0 comment

Travel

10 Best Places For A Weekend Away!

by 13th March 2019

written by

Who doesn’t love exploring new places? While we love London, (who doesn’t) the place can be expensive and we’re always up for exploring the best of what the UK has to offer! Whether you need inspiration for your next day out or a long weekend away, we at PostSnap have scouted around for the UK’s best getaways! What’s more is that with PostSnap, we offer real postcards so you can use your own photos to keep in touch with your friends and family while on your travels and send a card back home from anywhere in the world!

BATH

instabritain

travels_to_dream

About 10 miles away from Bristol, the historic city of Bath is a beacon for all culture vultures. Whether it’s the Roman Baths or the American Museum and Gardens in Claverton, this Georgian spa town is perfect for anyone looking for a slice of history. The town is brimming with culture but also offers plenty for foodies and shoppers alike. The highlights obviously include the Roman Baths, The Circus and The Abbey, but plenty of independent shops, bars and cafes fill the Georgian streets. Visit in the festive season for the sprawling Bath Christmas Market, but all year around Bath is a breathtaking city to spend a weekend.

MARGATE

@joshuarumble

@lucybwithell

Seaside towns get a bad name, but none have pulled their socks up in recent years like Margate. While not as classy or elegant as the likes of Brighton, this Kent town two hours away from London has had a hipster makeover with the opening of many vintage shops in the town centre, craft ale bars and the re-opening of Dreamland, an amusement park that also showcases vintage funfair rides. The park is also a venue for gigs and DJ sets across the year. Margate is also home to the Turner Contemporary Gallery, a modern art museum, much of the catalyst of the town’s regeneration. While it may have a long way to go, we can’t wait to see how this seaside town staple grows!

OXFORD

@instabritain

Kamyar Adl

Home of one of the most prestigious universities in the world, it’s no wonder that Oxford is a great place to spend getting lost in museums. Whether it’s one of the many art galleries or the renowned Ashmolean Museum, Oxford is not just a place of learning for its students! There’s also the botanical gardens which date back to 1621, the oldest in the UK. A visit to Oxford would not be complete without stops at the world famous colleges and of course the Bodleian Library, the second largest library in the UK. Finish your day wondering through the city centre, soaking up the architecture or visiting one of the many cafes that house students all year around.

BIRMINGHAM

@helloems_

@heykeyt

Britain’s second city gets a bad reputation, however the city brims with surprising culture that means it has earnt a spot on our list. The city is currently undergoing extensive regeneration, and the city is now a hub for lively bars and hidden gems. The city has not one but two Botanical Gardens; the Birmingham Botanical Gardens and Glasshouses and then the hidden Winterbourne House and Garden next to the University. The University of Birmingham is also host to an impressive fossil collection at The Lapworth Museum of Geology, fine art at The Barber Institute and the tallest freestanding clock-tower in the world (for now!). The city centre has its own museum that has regularly rotating exhibitions and a growing number of fine dining options and bars. You will be surprised by what the second city has to offer. So why not spend a weekend exploring it.

CARDIFF

@tattunicorn

@lou.wt

The Welsh capital hides under the radar but Cardiff is one of our top picks at the office for a weekend getaway. The city centre arcades are home to coffee brewers, vintage shops and delicatessens, perfect for wandering through. An impressive castle in the middle of town sits guarding Bute Park & Arboretum, which hosts the RHA’s flower show in Cardiff. Head downtown to the bay for the iconic Millenium Centre, a cutesy Norwegian Church turned art gallery and plenty of bars and restaurants to keep you busy well into the night. The nearby suburb of Penarth also offers the perfect seaside break if you’re in need of some sunshine and of course, there’s Barry Island where everyone’s favourite sitcom, Gavin & Stacey was partly filmed.

PORTMEIRION

@visitwales

@hannahbullen_

If you’re in North Wales, for a day head down to the model village of Portmeirion three miles from Porthmadog. Built by Welsh architect Clough Williams-Ellis, this picturesque village was purposely built to resemble an idyllic Italian town. It was also the backdrop for the iconic cult classic TV show The Prisoner, a fact the village celebrates with it’s own convention each year and official merchandise that can be bought at one of the village shops. Even if you’re not a fan of 1960s TV, the town is painted in bright colours making it a perfect quirky day out to see something a bit different.

YORK

@yorkshire_pudding

York is a patchwork of history. From the Romans, to the Vikings to modern day, York boasts more things to see and do peer square mile than any other UK city. The National Railway Museum is just outside of the train station, a perfect place to keep the kids entertained for a while. There’s also plenty of ways to explore the town’s history, weather it’s the Viking Experience, the chocolate experience or a walk around the medieval walls. Of course there’s the iconic minster which dominates the city skyline in the middle of town. York is also filled with cobbled streets lined with shops and taverns serving real ale from across the country, so there’s something no matter what time of day to keep you occupied. Just watch out for the geese.

THE CAMEL ESTUARY

@daisypeat

@her.edition

Windswept beaches and cutesy fishing villages dominate the Cornish coastline, but arguably none are as dreamy as the towns at the mouth of the Camel River. The villages of Padstow, Port Isaac and Polzeath combine to make this beautiful section of Cornwall. Padstow, the largest of this become notorious for its association with Rick Stein, and tourists flock to this food lovers’ destination. The town boasts itself as an ideal place for watersports such as rock-pooling, bodyboarding and even surfing. The neighbouring town across the river of Rock is a popular spot for lunch and watersports, whilst Polzeath, a short drive away is a notorious surfspot, but is also perfect for beach lovers and summer walks along the South West Coastal Path.

THE LAKE DISTRICT

@haarkon

A cliched choice, but there’s a reason thousands of Britons flock to this destination in the north of England and here’s why you should too. First of all, the Lakes are some of the most stunning landscapes Britain has to offer, perfect for walking holidays and long road trips through the countryside. Other outdoor activities such as climbing also are right at home here amongst the dramatic natural landscape. For those less active, the regions has a number of small towns and historical attractions. Famous writers like William Wordsworth and Beatrix Potter all made the Lake District their home and their houses are now open to the public. Towns like Keswick, Windermere and nearby Kendall offer picturesque hubs in the otherwise rural National Park.

EDINBURGH

edinburgh.org

thisisedinburgh

Scotland’s capital is a beautiful alternative to weekends away in London. On the edge of a dormant volcano, the city has sprawling neighbourhoods with plenty on offer for everyone. The old town is home to the medieval castle, a perfect place to start your walk down the legendary Royal Mile. The old town is also thought to be the inspiration for Harry Potter locations such as Diagon Alley, but the winding streets are perfect places to wander around. Edinburgh’s new town is equally as stunning, with Georgian neoclassical architecture. Alongside its history as a hub for Enlightenment philosophers, this architecture is what gave it its nickname “The Athens of The North”. Other neighbourhoods add a unique charm to the city, such as Deans Village and the waterside suburb of Leith has been named one of the world’s trendiest new neighbourhoods. It’s a perfect choice for explorers, shoppers and history nerds alike.

Wherever you go, why not send a real postcard to your friends and family back home to keep them updated on all the places you explore? PostSnap allows you to use your own photos to send real printed postcards to anyone in the world, meaning no matter where you are, there’s an easy and affordable way to stay in touch while out on your travels. No more searching cities for stamps and a postbox, so more time can be spent seeing the sights!

PostSnap is free to download and if you have Apple Pay there’s no need to sign up! You can also find us and our products at our website optimised for mobiles at www.postsnap.co.uk .

13th March 2019 0 comment

wish-you-were-here-postsnap- send a postcard

General Postcard Info

Size of a postcard – UK, Australia and USA

by 14th February 2017

written by

Picture postcards have been in existence since the 1800s, but the overall appearance of postcards has hardly changed.

What the size of a Postcard is

A traditional photo postcard comprises of a century-old postcard template of a photo on the front and a message and address on the back.

Once made of thin wood, these envelope-free messages are now made from thick, sturdy card. They are still a novel form of communication, and are often kept as souvenirs.

Weird fact: The study and collection of postcards is termed deltiology.

What size is a postcard?

The standard size of a postcard is 6 x 4. This is the sized postcards typically found at holiday resorts and sent home to friends and family. However there is a growing trend to send personalised postcards using the sender’s own photos. (I know I would prefer to send my own photos of the Golden Gate Bridge, rather than a boring stock photo.) It’s a grand example of old traditions being improved and updated to match today’s tech-savvy culture.

Send family a postcard from Postsnap app App-based personalised photo postcard services are an increasingly popular way to send personalised postcards home while travelling. Postsnap offers standard-sized A6 postcards and larger postcards, which are 210 x 148mm or 8 x 6 inches. These A5 sized postcards are gloss laminated to protect them in the post, and the photos are so vivid that they are often displayed in frames by recipients.

These postcard dimensions are equivalent to an A6 piece of paper, which is approximately one quarter of an A4 sheet of paper.

Mixing the old with the new, postcards are a medium that are particularly adaptable to modern culture, and will surely remain a special way to communicate with family and friends in years to come.

Whether they’re near or far, postcards are the perfect ‘thinking of you’ gesture.

Send a Postcard Download our Postcard App

14th February 2017 0 comment